Sean Kugler named UTEP football coach

El Paso, TX (Sports Network) - Sean Kugler is returning home to become the
head football coach at UTEP.

Kugler, currently the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, played
for the Miners from 1985-88 and was an assistant coach from 1993-2000. He'll
replace Mike Price, who announced his retirement in November.

"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be the next head coach at
UTEP," said Kugler in a statement through the school on Monday. "I'm hoping to
build on the tremendous job that was done by coach Price and his staff. I have
been the Miners' biggest supporter from afar, and the job coach Price and his
staff did was outstanding. I can't wait to work with the players in the near
future. I spent 13 years as a player and coach at UTEP and loved every minute
of it. I'm excited about starting a new chapter in my coaching career at a
place that has so many fond memories."

Kugler is in his third season with the Steelers and has also been an NFL
assistant with Buffalo (2007-09) and Detroit (2001-05).

In addition to his tenure with UTEP, the 46-year-old Kugler was also a
collegiate assistant at Boise State in 2006.

"We're so pleased to get Sean back at UTEP," said UTEP athletic director Bob
Stull. "I've known him since he was a player here, including as a member of
our 10-win team in 1988. He has gone on to become a terrific coach, from
working with our WAC championship squad in 2000 to being a part of the Boise
State team that was undefeated in 2006 and coaching in the Super Bowl with the
Pittsburgh Steelers. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and experience and, most
importantly, has a great love for UTEP and the city of El Paso."